Expert: Jill Connor, Ph.D. - 2/3/2012

Question
Hello. I have a greatdane who will not got outside without great coaxing and bribery and sometimes not at all. He has also developed a huge fear of flies. If one comes near him  he has to get at it or just plain run away until it has gone. He will walk on a leash outside the yard but freaks if a fly lands on him and tries to run around in circles to avoid it. He developed IBD about 1.5 years ago and his problems started to begin then. He is currently on Budesonide , a steroid, and was put on several other meds earlier on as he was misdiagnosed several times. It also seems the more rundown he is the worse his fears are, it's like he just cant handle anymore than he already is. I am assuming that his problems have developed due to his medical situation but am hoping there is also some way I can help him as going off his meds  is not an option. Any advise you can give me will be greatly appreciated. Kind regards Cathy.

Answer
Unfortunately due to the complications of the side effects of various medications, along with their interactions, and without the ability to put hands-on, I can't offer an educated opinion in this matter.  You absolutely need a veterinary behaviorist.  This is a professional whose specialty is, obviously, the behavioral aspects of dog, cat and sometimes other species as well as an educated ability to evaluate physical conditions and medication.  In Australia, the following sites should help you locate one:
http://www.deltasocietyaustralia.com.au/behaviourists
http://www.kathycornack.com/about.html

While investigating and before the appointment, put this dog on leash and GO OUT with him.  Reward him AS you cross the threshold to the outdoors.  Do this using a high value treat (hot dog bits, string cheese bits, etc.)  If he is too stressed to take the treat (which may be the case), simply STAND in the doorway until he demonstrates displacement behavior (this means, his cognition begins to interfere with the fight/flight response: he might gaze at you, or sit down, or turn his back).  Observe body language (lip licking and yawning are both stress reduction behaviors).  The MOMENT he demonstrates this, pop the treats into his mouth and take him out.  Whenever he freezes or behaves in a manner that suggests he's going into the "zone", IGNORE IT.  Walk in a circle left, then right; this will change brain wave patterns and should bring cognition back at which time you can ask for "sit" and food reward.  Continue in this manner until he has done what he needs to do outdoors and be patient.  At first, it might take quite a while to even get out the door, let alone move around the yard.  But the leash restraint is a CALMING factor in most dogs and the reward and circling will counter-condition him to some extent to whatever is causing this problem behavior.

Indoors, if the dog begins to react to an ACTUAL fly (not "fly catching" at something that isn't there which indicates seizures), attach the leash and be calm.  Keep him on leash very casually until he's calmed and then remove the leash.